Empire Rising
Infiltration and Preperations
Ren, Denko, and Blake had left the Orc stronghold to find gaps in the enemy defenses. Ren had chosen to take the northern side with Denko choosing the west. That left Blake with the southern walls to infiltrate. Inside they were to silence any high-ranking soldiers they could find, and set up any distractions they could before sunrise and the sky was already growing slightly brighter in the east.
The three of them, being the stealthiest of their group, had decided that now would be the best time to get their jobs done. The guard was light and all were tired. Almost everyone else besides the morning cooks were asleep.
Blake had found a commander's tent during her scouting as well as a hole in the wall nearby, one that was large enough for her to squeeze through. As she made her way inside, she couldn't stop a funny thought. 'I bet Weiss and Ruby wouldn't have as much trouble getting through but Yang would need a lot of adjusting to make it.' She smiled at the mental image.
The man's snoring was light but she had heard him complain about his breathing when he was woken by a hacking cough. This was likely his last campaign before retiring. 'This will be his last. I'll do about anything to help my friends.'
She slipped under the tent flaps without a sound and stalked her way to his bedside where she opened a small vile. Three drops were dripped into his mouth and the vial was sealed again. The khajiit retreated from the tent towards a new target through the shadows unnoticed by the weary night guards. Inside the tent, the commander fell into a deeper sleep, soon he'd never wake again. But at least he went to Aetherius peacefully.
In another tent a single soldier managed to wake up before Blake could administer the poison but was dispatched by the Khajiit's instinctual use of her claws to his neck. Along the wall she found a patrolman taking a nap in a shadowed corner on a chair. A single stab from her sword into his back and up into his lungs made sure he'd never leave his shadowy respite.
It was moments like this that she appreciated the Shrouded Armor she had received upon joining the Dark Brotherhood. Better protection and lighter than her old leathers, form fitting to avoid snags- Yang had a few comments about how form fitting it was and catching eyes-, enchanted to keep her already quiet steps silent. She personally considered it a bonus when Denko allowed her to alter the armor by replacing the guilds symbol with her family emblem while also dyeing the leather from red to a dark purple.
The black and purple colors and her own black mane and tail fur made it easy for her to hide in the shadows, barring her amber eyes which would sometimes catch the light to seemingly glow. With all of that going for her she managed to silence five more before the signal flared.
Ren slit the throat of a Redguard private, maintaining his usual silence and aloofness. He was the only living person within the tent, seven bodies lay on their bedrolls as he calmly cleaned his dagger before exiting.
He remembered his parent's lessons about Boethiah and Mephala. His own training in his early years had found his niche as a spy or assassin for his hometown, training he had barely started before his small home town was destroyed. But after finding Nora who was just a child hiding in fear under a wagon, with his family dead and home lost they'd traveled together to eventually join the Fighters Guild. Sure, at their young age they didn't really get to go on jobs for years but during that time they were glorified servants but they had learned the skills that kept them alive to today. He still heavily relied on stealth but had learned more about direct combat, from the tutors and experience- he focused on his agility to overwhelm his opponents leaving Nora to deal with raw power.
All of that had served him well over the years and especially now in the largest engagement he'd ever taken part in. Still despite his calm demeaner in this dangerous situation, his mind kept wandering to Nora who would be leading a clan of Ogres into battle. He couldn't stop the smile as a memory of one of her more outlandish dreams is actually coming true.
Just as he was about to leave the tent, he heard approaching footsteps. He managed to step to the side as the person barged into the tent, completely missing the Dunmer a few hands away. Ren could guess that she was a high-ranking officer based on her more decorative armor, possibly a general. Said officer was took a deep breath to yell at her soldiers when the light of her lantern caught the blood on the ground.
A quick glance round and she found all of who were supposed to be here, most having never moved from their beds, one looked to have been killed as he was getting up, and the last bore injuries indicating he'd fought back. Her hand moved to the sword at her waist but never had the opportunity to even grip it as a sharp dagger plunged into her skull from behind. Her body was quietly lowered to the ground and the light extinguished. The green-clad Dunmer faded into the dark even as the sun began to rise over the horizon.
On a whim Denko had chosen to wear the Bending Ring tonight, soon finding that her option for entering the camp was a hole that would have been too narrow for her natural forms' shoulders. Wriggling her way through the hole proved tricky as it was set high enough that only Jaune and Pyrrha would be tall enough to look through it. Which of course meant that the Bosmer would have to jump to even look if it was clear of guards inside. Doing so in this even shorter female form was almost a task in itself.
Honestly her infiltration looked more like a comedy act if anyone was watching. Having to run and jump to get her arms through just to pull herself in only to find her hips getting wedged. Trying to free herself while staying silent was an exercise in frustration as she had no way to gain leverage with her legs dangling outside. Of course, fate seemed to spite her as a patrol came by, though not before the Bosmer cast a chameleon spell over herself in time- thankful she had taken the time to learn to cast her spells silently.
Her luck seemed to drained dry as the patrol had to stop and lean on the wall on either side of her to talk. She was willing to bet a hefty amount of gold that Sheogorath was watching and laughing his ass off. Even Haskil was likely cracking a smile at the scene.
'Damn it!' Denko yells in her mind as she was in no position to reach her weapons, let alone to use them. Blasting the two idiots with magic would likely draw attention that she really didn't need right now and wouldn't help her out of the hole. Said idiots were passing a bottle of some rather strong drink between themselves. While it was a possibility that the two would pass out soon from the alcohol and they'd be of little issue to deal with normally, this situation is far from normal.
'Then again, two able-bodied idiots who happen to be drunk could be useful.'
She let the spell run its course and faded back into view. Noting that she was still unnoticed she took the moment to pull her hood back and slip the attached mask under her chin. She sighed as she had to swallow her pride.
"Hey boys?" Denko called softly, her words got their attention quick enough and they jumped away from the wall and turned around.
"Who're you?" The one on the right asks, one hand on his sword hilt. His buddy was already leering, who knows how much of it was due to being drunk, an idiot, or uncontrolled lust. The thought brought shivers down her spine and made her prefer the sword far more.
"The -ehem- Captain called for me to help him relax a little. I thought I'd surprise him a bit but as you can see," Denko was honest for this part as she wiggled a little for emphasis, "I got stuck." The two guards shared a glance as they weren't sure what to make of the story but she did look stuck to them.
The first guard removed his hand from his blade as he took a step closer to inspect the Bosmer. "What's with the armor if you're here to help the Captain 'relax'?"
'He sure sobers up fast. Probably how he gets away with drinking on the job.' A giggle from the leering idiot got her attention. 'Of course, having a fall man nearby would help.' Denko was still quick to answer. "Well… he does like the little soldier act and besides, there's a bunch of big Orcs out there. It never hurts to have a little protection around brutes, does it?"
"Should we get the Captain?" Number one asks. "She's not going anywhere."
"She did say she was 'ere to s'prise 'im." Number two slurs.
Number one looks back and forth at the two before making a decision. "Hmm… fine. We'll get you out but we'll take you to the Captain ourselves. Got it?"
"Whatever gets me outta here." She comments. Number two approached with a giggle and flexing fingers. "And watch where you put your hands! I'm not afraid of cutting off fingers before the Captain comes for your heads." She warns.
Number one took the hint and made his friend hold her hands to support her while he lifted Denko around the middle and turned her a little to fit through. In a few moments the Bosmer was free and on the ground on her own feet trying to massage her hips through the armor.
"Thanks guys." Denko was sincere about being thankful but she had a job to do, a little more acting would make things easier. It wasn't hard for the blush of embarrassment to be seen as the situation was already was and she was a bit flushed from being stuck hanging in a wall. She looked to the side, "Um… how about a little kiss for getting me outta there and the Captain never has to know?" The Bosmer asks with a hand by her chin.
Number two practically jumped at the chance to be showed any form of affection by a cute girl and leaned down so his face was level with hers. Number one hesitated a bit before following suite.
"Remember, no peeking so you can be honest that you never saw a thing!" Denko teased as she raised her hands to cup their chins, gently holding them steady. Both men closed their eyes, the Bosmer's smile dropped and shadows solidified in her hands, the men's brains were pierced before the blades took full form and just s quickly the blades lost cohesion and the men fell to the ground. Two more souls for the Void.
She felt sick for manipulating them like that- direct combat, a poison arrow, slitting a throat from the shadows, all of that Denko has sone and could deal with easily enough. Toying with emotions… she could do without, especially the disgusted feeling that followed. She needed to move, get away from the physical reminders. She spent too much time getting inside with little to show for it with the signal coming at any minute.
Three nearby tents were cleared of life in as many minutes. Now there was a catapult in front of her…
Jaune was crouched behind one of the many large boulders that littered the Wrothgar landscape. He and about thirty Orcs including Chief Koralg to be exact. Some of the warriors were getting impatient waiting for the signal, others took the time to relax. They were free to do so as long as they were quiet and stay out of sight.
Weiss and Pyrrha were both in separate groups scattered across the tundra hidden behind their own rock piles with an Orc Chief. So far there was no indications that they were spotted and no signs that their infiltrators were found yet.
As far as he could tell the plan he'd made up was going well but things were still early and there was always the possibility of many unknowns. One of his biggest worries was if the Redguards and Bretons had any elite soldiers or powerful mages. His plan did address that though, if such fighters and spell casters would appear on the battlefield, the Chief's and his own group were to seek them out, even in the midst of battle and either delay or defeat them.
Jaune was an honest man, he'd learned his limits back when he first joined up with Pyrrha, Nora, and Ren. He has gotten better between training with them, the Fighters Guild, and experience but any of his friends could still beat his hide into the ground. He simply took it as a point of pride that he'd gotten to the point where they really had to work for that victory.
What they did find during their adventures was that he had a great tactical mind and leadership skills, trusting his friends to take care of themselves when he gave orders to direct them to where they'd have the greatest effect for their skills. In just over a year they'd honed themselves into a great unit. Pyrrha's unrivaled skills, Nora's surprising strength, Ren's speed and stealth, combined with Jaune's mind and extraordinary durability had taken them far. This battle would test their limits.
Weiss would have preferred to be holed up in a library or performing experiments. Instead she was preparing to take on an army. At least she had one of her own and her friends by her side. She couldn't honestly say that she didn't like combat.
The meticulous training, planning out the exercises and schedules. Finding the ideal weapon or weapons for the individual, balancing that with their own natural skills, training new skills into the fighter whether it be with spell or weapon. The rush experienced while in combat, the joy of a victory, overcoming the negativity of defeat. The planning required to deal with various opponents- how one deals with a battle-axe wielding Nord when fighting an Argonian armed with a single dagger. How does one fight a master of Destruction magic? An opponent hidden among the foliage of a forest.
That's not including fighting multiple enemies, with an arsenal of weapons, skill levels, their armor. What is the terrain? The weather? The condition of those in combat?
So many variables to take into account all at once and acting on them. Experience and training making the body act as needed even as the mind was focused on studying the opponents every move, their form, the weapon in hand, looking for gaps in their armor…
Perhaps she could write a book on the subject, it would probably turn into a series in short order if she had a few weeks to research and consult with battle-masters, weapon experts, generals… A possible project she could look into later. Maybe she had something in her personal library to get started after the battle if they survived. No, it would be when they won.
She could plan out her pet projects later, not that she didn't have enough on her plate as it was but she did enjoy keeping busy. On the bright side, thinking about all of this did pass the time. The signal should be set soon. Weiss looked over at the massive Orc next to her, Chief Granog, who's arms looked like they weighed as much as she does, each. The man was rather quiet, which she didn't mind. But at least when it came to fight, she'd know that she had someone who could take care of themselves. The rest of the troops could watch each other's backs.
Pyrrha was calm. Chief Kiln sat next to her watching the Altmer taking steady breaths where she sat in the early morning darkness. Orcs were normally loud and excitable before a battle but the presence of the young warrior seemed to keep them calm and focused. It certainly helped them stay out of notice of the enemy encampment as the plan required.
They had seen the level of skill that the High Elf had with a blade during the few small spars they had back in the stronghold. Granted they were using simple wooden swords but Pyrrha had out performed anyone who challenged her. She could match the strength of many of the warriors, few could keep up with her speed, only one could match her skill, but none could defeat her in the end.
The light of the sun grew brighter and Pyrrha opened her bright green eyes. A few small stretches where she sat helped her ready herself for the fight ahead. Many of the warriors with them followed suit. Yet despite the calm they all displayed, the desire for the excitement of a good fight was nearly palpable.
Yang was bored. Sure, she had a few fights with the goblins to pass the time she was with them, even giving them some training in proper use of their weapons, but the past two days were a steep learning curve for her dealing with the Goblins.
While as a whole they were primitive but they were diverse as individuals, not even counting tribal traditions. The Iron Head clan had apparently been used as slave labor in the mountains to the south for mining and smelting. At some point they had learned to forge weapons and armor themselves, eventually smuggling materials to forge their own crude weapons and armor and revolted against their masters. They took over the entire operation, spared the few who showed them kindness in their slavery, and reversed the roles on their former masters, making them work for their freedom.
When the mine ran dry the goblins left with their new skills, plenty of supplies from dismantling most of infrastructure, loaded up most of the armor, weapons, and tools into as many carts that they could find or build and headed north to find a new location to set up shop on their own terms. It was them who provided most of the new arms and armor to the horde she was to lead.
The Skull Crush tribe had an easier story to share. Descendants of the giant goblins that had called the Alik'r Desert their home until the Regada Invasion. They were the last of all of the goblins from that time, the survivors of the various tribes who banded together, putting aside all past grudges between tribes in favor of their common enemy. Eventually they became one tribe. They could never reclaim their ancestral homes and so they'd attack the Redguards whenever they came near the tribes' territory. Eventually the Redguards sent an army to wipe them out only to find an empty camp, their shaman had foreseen the attack and they had moved preferring life over a last stand. Needless to say that they were among the most anxious for the coming fight.
The Venom Fang tribe is an offshoot from the Shadowsilk goblins from Morrowwind. Their tribe merely got too large due to their success that some of them left for new territory, bringing their pet spiders along. They settled in Wrothgar but during their travels they had discovered a love for toxins. That being the case they developed their own alchemy to create antidotes, medicines, and other potions that they could sell and trade, mostly with the local Orcs or the occasional traveling merchant. They had quickly learned to raise their own gardens and keep a menagerie of animals with a variety of toxins.
In short, the goblins had plenty of history and made Yang think, how many had she killed over the past few years, usually for profit, but had always been taught and trained to enjoy ending their lives. Like they were no more than rats that could wield weapons, scavengers that would take any opportunity to attack and kill innocent people- inhuman monsters that were best dead and forgotten.
They were living thinking beings with souls, just like her. They had their own lives, families, jobs in their tribes. Like her and everyone and everyone else she knew and cared about.
Even as she sat on the mountainside overlooking the soon to be battlefield, she resolved herself to never taking pleasure in killing another goblin. Yang knew that never fighting or killing goblins was unlikely unless she gave up fighting for good. "Yeah right!" It was too much of what made her Yang Xiao Long! But she could control herself far better than the world around her so if and when she next killed a goblin there would be no pleasure in it anymore.
She roused herself from her thoughts as the enemy camp began to glow in the morning light. Her goblin allies prepped themselves for the battle to come. Now it was just a matter of waiting for the signal, then she and the chiefs would lead their army.
Nora was having a great time with the Ogres. They lived off the land, somewhat reminding her of her childhood but they still had their families. She enjoyed the competitions of strength, talking with the few who had learned to speak in Cyrodillic, helping them to expand their vocabulary by talking with them, learning more about their style of magic, and showing them the best ways to swing a hammer.
A massive two-way learning experience and cultural exchange would sum up their time together. Doing it all in the two days before a big fight? It kept the hyperactive Nord from doing anything too crazy, by Nora Valkyrie standards, which are still crazy by nearly anyone else's standards.
Now she sat on a rock looking over the valley with Bronzongi next to her, passing the time humming a song that they made up as they went. It was an odd duet that grew as other Ogres joined in, even the Orcs that were with them added their voices. The Chief only paused to tell the clan to keep their voices down, but that they could sing as loud as they want on their way to battle.
A new tradition was born for the ogres.
Ruby Rose was tired. She'd been awoken far earlier than she'd like but some hot food and drink got her going. Of course, checking on her project that she designed and helped build over the past few days helped to pass the time. She and her team of Orc craftsmen managed to finish this one and built half of another along with exactly forty-seven bolts for the ballistae, and three special bolts to serve as the signal for today.
The weapon was just as good as it was last night when she gave it a full inspection. For her standards it was somewhat crude. If she had the time and materials, she'd have made it mobile, have proper sights -a magnifying scope if possible with a range finder, an automatic reloading mechanism, maybe some shields that could be raised in case of a counter attacks, some magical enchantments, a paint job… It was functional and that's what was needed. Her team was keeping occupied by trying to assemble the second ballistae. Two of them were with her, one to maintain a watch on the enemy fortifications, the other was a young girl who'd effectively become Ruby's apprentice with her knack of understanding the plans the Imperial had drawn up.
Said apprentice was currently stacking up the small crates that held the ammunition. The special bolts were in the sole red painted crate. The crates were far enough away that they could walk around the weapon unimpeded but close enough that an extra step was all that was needed to reach them.
"Less than five minutes Ruby!" The watchman warns her.
She ends her final inspections with a sigh. "Thanks, Nintor. Lily, prep Red One." Ruby starts adjusting the angle on the ballistae with the sight and mental calculations. Nintor and one of the men began cranking the firing mechanism into position.
While it was true that Ruby had tested the weapon but that was at a hastily constructed target at fairly close range. She had an idea of how powerfully it could launch the bolts thanks to the test shots but a field test would be the final decider on its effectiveness today.
Lily loaded Red One, the large bolt was thicker than the regular ones due to the contents within. The ammunition got its name due to the red paint that covered the shaft that also helped to seal the contents inside. The white feather fletchings were a nice touch. The regular bolts had black paint on the shafts to set them apart.
Ruby sent one of her helpers to the chief left behind to manage the strongholds defenses, Chief Fronrir, to inform him that it was time.
The sun rose high enough to reach beyond the Orcs mountain and illuminated the wooden gates that protected the Redguard and Breton army.
A final check of the wind and angle of the weapon.
Ruby took a deep breath and pulled the trigger.
AN: Another shorter chapter, sorry about that. And that's after I managed to squeeze a few hundred words in from my original draft. Didn't help me much that this was meant to be the end of the chapter before things heat up. So we get a cliffhanger to hold us over until the next chapter.
A little late but Volume 7 was one hell of a ride, every time you thought you knew how something was going to go, it went for a loop. And ending on Salem leading an invasion... now October can't come fast enough to see how that turns out.
Back to Empire Rising- I'd like to know if you guys would like me to rewrite chapter one. It is the only outlier in this story as it is the only one in first person but I don't think it kept it very well. Granted it was inspired by another first person Elder Scrolls story and was started before I even had the inspiration to add RWBY elements to the story.
I'm also looking for input (not Jonny 5) for things for the gang to spice things up. Side quests and such as the Elder Scrolls love to throw at us at every turn. So why not let Denko, RWBY, and JNPR have some? Seeing as I'm asking for community support in this aspect, leave a review or PM me with your idea(s). Anyone who's ideas are used will get credit in the AN.
See you next time!
